Current RN licensure in the State of Utah and three years full-time emergency and/or critical care experience or equivalency, or a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy from an accredited school of pharmacy and eligibility for licensure; knowledge of human pathophysiology, clinical pharmacology and drug information; and demonstrated human relation and effective communication skills required.

Once hired, the Poison Information Specialist must obtain national certification as a Specialist in Poison Information by passing a certification examination within two exam administrations of his/her initial eligibility for certification. Eligibility for the exam requires licensure as a Pharmacist or Registered Nurse, working 2000 hours in a Poison Information Center and fielding 2000 poison exposure calls. The certification must be maintained through regular recertification.

Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, a current Utah Pharmacists License or a Master’s degree in a nurse specialty preferred.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

Provides verbal and written sound clinical information and management advice regarding emergency and informational telephone calls received at the Utah Poison Control Center (UPCC).

Obtains pertinent and appropriate information from the caller in order to determine the seriousness of the poisoning incident and assess the caller's level of understanding/state of mind.

Based on the seriousness of the incident and the caller's level of cognition, determines whether the poisoning incident can be handled by the UPCC or whether the poisoning victim should be seen by a health care provider.

Answers inquiries with complete, concise and relevant recommendations for action in terms that are appropriate to the calling party's level of understanding/state of mind.

May assist in orienting, training, instructing and/or supervising new staff and students (when certification is achieved).

Problem Solving

This position involves working with telephone callers in emergency situations. The ability to clearly and concisely communicate information to all callers in highly stressful situations is critical. The incumbent must be able to assess the circumstances of a poisoning situation and function effectively to manage life-threatening exposures.

Comments

This position also involves using computers, computer software and electronic references to investigate case history, conduct research and consult medical literature as required to develop poisoning incident protocols.

The Utah Poison Control Center operates 24 hours a day. Incumbents may be required to participate in a rotating shift schedule which includes night and weekends and/or may be required to take call.